Doctors believe the cold dip could aches and pains ease pain by stimulating the body's sympathetic nervous system

"Due to the nature of retrospective case reports, it is unclear, without further evidence, whether the exposure to forced cold-water swimming is causally and specifically related to pain remission," the authors wrote.

"The cold shock response has also been linked to reduced cerebral perfusion and an altered level of consciousness.

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"These processes may potentially lead to altered pain perception that could explain the reported short-term ‘endogenous’ analgesia."

They also noted that the patient's reduced mobility after the surgery may have stopped his body from healing quickly, but the swim forced his body to move in a normal motion and help clear away his pain.

Medics noted further research is needed into the feasibility of cold water swimming before it is recommended as a pain treatment.

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